Introduction to Lakewood, Ohio
Lakewood, Ohio, in Cuyahoga county, is 5 miles W of Cleveland, Ohio. It's included in the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area. The municipality has a high population density. Lakewood's Gold Coast features a large number of upscale high-rise apartment and condominium buildings. Clifton Park is the wealthiest neighborhood in the city. The downtown includes a large number of high-rise buildings. Madison Village, situated in southeast Lakewood is known for its counterculture atmosphere.
Lakewood features a large amount of historic homes. In order to keep the historic look of the city's houses the popular "Make Lakewood Beautiful" program has residents competing for awards which are given to the homes which best resemble the original design of the house. The city implemented a special building code which requires development in Lakewood to resemble the city's historic brick and mortar structures. The residential district known as "Birdtown" is a National Register Historic District. The city is bordered by Lake Erie.
Lakewood History
During the early 1800's Lakewood had not been developed and was still a forest area. James Nicholson was Lakewood's original settler and by 1818 he owned a large acreage and constructed a colonial house. During the mid-19th century agriculture was still a primary factor for the economy. The region was known for its quality fruit. After the Civil War ended Lakewood's population significantly expanded and the community was prospering. The wealthy citizens constructed numerous impressive mansions.
Near the end of the 19th century the population significantly increased again due to developments in the area's transportation, including streetcar lines and trains. The orchids and vineyards were replaced with homes. Immigrants from Central and Eastern Europe moved to Lakewood to work in the region's factories. It was established as a city in 1911.
Lakewood Attractions
- Beck Center for the Arts features a variety of theatrical productions, concerts and art shows.
- Lakewood Art Fair
- Lakewood Farmers' Market
- The historic homes of Lakewood
Lakewood Activities
Lakewood Park is a popular location for outdoor activities and includes an extensive trail for bicycle riding and jogging. The park has a concert stage and also features a boardwalk which offers excellent views of the Cleveland skyline. Nightlife is very popular along Madison and Detroit avenues. The residents enjoy the Winterhurst Ice Rink and the numerous quality parks.
Residents often travel to nearby Cleveland for activities and to watch professional sports. The Rocky River Valley is a popular destination in the county for activities. The nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a scenic destination and features the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad. Lake Erie features popular beaches.
Lakewood Transportation
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the closest major airport.
